Brian O’Driscoll breaks Guinness World Record

Leinster and Ireland rugby hero Brian O’Driscoll will feature in this year’s edition of the Guinness Book of Records after breaking the record for the most international appearances in rugby union.

O’Driscoll amassed 141 caps in total, 133 of which for his country and made eight appearances for the British and Irish Lions on their 2001, 2005, 2009 and 2013 respective tours, breaking the former record held by Australian George Gregan (139 caps).

O’Driscoll said: “I am delighted to have made it into this year’s Guinness World Records Book. It is a Childhood dream achieved! “

O’Driscoll is joined by a host of other Irish sports stars in the Guinness World Records 2015 Edition. In form Rory Mcilroy has the record for the Lowest total score (72 holes) at the US Open with a scorecard boasting 268 (65-66-68-69) and, in the process, simultaneously broke the record for the Lowest score to par in a US Open, shooting 16-under.

Leading Horse racing Jockey Tony McCoy heads the front of the pack in his sport with Most horse racing wins in jump racing in a season (289 in 2001-2002) and Most horse racing wins in jump racing in a career (4,106 and between 26 March 1992 and 26 April 2014).

A great collection of the world’s elite in sport is also honoured in the book; Roger Federer is now the Most powerful sports star in the world ranked No.8 on Forbes’ list taking the mantle form NFL quarterback Peyton Manning. The Swiss tennis star is also recognised for his day job in tennis with records for the Most Grand Slam singles titles (17), Most Grand Slam matches won (265) and Most week’s ranked world No.1 (302).

In football, Cristiano Ronaldo got one over on his nearest and long standing competitor Lionel Messi by taking his mantle for the Most Champions League goals in a calendar year. The Portuguese international scored 15 goals between 13 February and 10 December 2013. Off the field, Ronaldo has also secured the record for the Most Twitter followers for an athlete which is in excess of 25 million!

Katy Perry, however, is the Most followed person on Twitter with over 50 million. Ding ding! Unbeaten boxer Floyd “Money” Mayweather Jr, and his fight with Saul “Canelo” Alvarez in September 2013, raked in a staggering $150,000,000 (£91,812,400) making it the Highest selling pay-per-view boxing match of all time.

The Guinness World Records 2015 Book also recognises some of the more unique achievements that have occurred in the world of sport. Asmir Begovic (pictured) of Stoke, normally praised for his goalkeeping, turned goalscorer briefly by scoring the Longest goal scored in football from a distance of 91.9m (301 ft 6 inches) in a Premier League match against Southampton in the 2013/14 season.

Other unique sporting records in the Guinness World Records 2015 Book include:

Most red cards in a football match – 36! All players and substitutes of Atlético Claypole and Victoriano in Argentina

Guinness World Records 2015 is the 60th anniversary edition of the world’s best-selling copyright book. It’s packed full of incredible feats, facts and achievements and also features new Augmented Reality technology that enables the reader to bring record-breakers to life in stunning 3D. The book is in stores 11th September with a RRP of £20.